CEO: Behind the Scenes

When Michelle Aquilina became CEO of MoleMap Australia and New Zealand, the company was in financial distress and lacked a clear identity. Today, it's a global leader in skin cancer detection, combining clinical expertise with proprietary AI technology that achieves 95 percent accuracy. In this episode, Aquilina discusses the boldness required to take the first steps with AI technology, why human clinicians will never be replaced in healthcare and how she led her team through integrating Kāhu AI into clinical workflows without resistance. This conversation reveals what courageous leadership looks like in practice.    Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com   Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal     Follow Michelle Aquilina and MoleMap: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-aquilina-emba-44852727 Website: https://www.molemap.net.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most property investors wait for the perfect moment that never comes. In this episode, Lloyd Edge, Founder and Managing Director of Aus Property Professionals, reveals why getting started matters more than perfect timing – and how he built a portfolio that generated passive income equal to his teaching salary in just 10 years. Edge discusses the misconception that you need to be wealthy to invest in property, why analysis paralysis keeps people on the sidelines and the strategic approach that allowed him to scale from a single bedroom apartment to a multi-state business.  Packed with insights on portfolio strategy, this conversation offers a masterclass in long-term wealth building. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.comGet your copy of Positively Geared: https://www.auspropertyprofessionals-invest.com.au/ceo_magazine   Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal     Follow Lloyd Edge and Aus Property Professionals: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyd-edge-b417a399 Website: https://www.auspropertyprofessionals.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the banking industry grapples with the complexity of a digital, global market, one question remains: do community banks still matter? In this episode, Tim Crane, Wintrust Financial Corporation President and CEO, shares how local banks are quietly fueling America’s economic resilience by keeping relationships at the heart of finance. Crane explains why proximity and trust still give community banks a competitive edge, how local decision-making drives growth and what happens when financial institutions see themselves as partners in progress rather than profit centers. He also reflects on the cultural challenge of staying small while scaling successfully and the importance of community, connection and long-term impact. This conversation offers a compelling look at the future of finance. Listen now to discover how local banking is helping communities – and businesses – thrive.   Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com   Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal     Follow Tim Crane and Wintrust Financial Corporation: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-crane-aab9a1a Website: https://www.wintrust.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is ESG just another corporate buzzword – or the key to long-term success? In this episode, Francesco Di Ciommo, President and CEO of FDC Consulting Digital ESG, reveals how sustainability has evolved from a compliance checkbox into a true driver of profitability and innovation. Di Ciommo shares how he transformed his own company by embedding ESG principles into its business model, proving that responsible leadership and growth can coexist. He explains why sustainability is no longer optional, how next-gen consumers are reshaping corporate strategy and what practical steps every organization can take to stay ahead. This conversation challenges traditional thinking about what it means to build a successful, future-ready business. Listen now to discover why embracing ESG might be the smartest business move you make. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Francesco Di Ciommo and FDC Consulting Digital ESG: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-diciommo Website: https://fdcesg.com/en/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Water security is the crisis hiding in plain sight – and most of us don't realize how close we are to the edge. In this episode, Francois Gouws, Managing Director of TRILITY, reveals why major cities are heading into another drought, how 100-year-old underground infrastructure is quietly failing beneath our feet and why the water we take for granted could become our scarcest resource. Gouws discusses why desalination and recycled water are no longer optional and how AI and robotics are revolutionizing the way we predict pipe failures before disaster strikes. Packed with insights on climate adaptation and the hidden technology keeping cities alive, this conversation will change how you think about the water flowing from your tap.  Listen now to discover how collaboration is preparing Australia for the crisis ahead. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Francois Gouws and TRILITY: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francoisgouws Website: https://trility.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many believe manufacturing can't compete in high-cost markets like Australia, but Greg Stack, CEO of Nexans, proves otherwise. In this episode, Stack reveals how his company maintains profitable manufacturing operations despite higher labor and energy costs and why the ‘Made in Australia’ advantage is more valuable than ever. Stack discusses the E3 operating model that balances economic, environmental and engagement goals and the recycling breakthrough that achieved 30 percent circularity. Packed with insights on localizing global strategy, leading transformation in resistant markets and finding your differentiated value proposition, this conversation challenges conventional wisdom about manufacturing viability. Listen now to discover why being selective about your markets might be the key to sustainable manufacturing success. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Greg Stack and Nexans: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-stack-55866a24 Website: https://www.nexans.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most leaders spend their energy defining goals and aligning teams, but Martin U Ripple, Group CEO of ANCA, reveals why the real work begins after that. In this episode, Ripple introduces the DAAD framework and explains why defending your strategy against distractions is where 80 percent of leadership energy should go. Ripple discusses why the best engineers often make poor managers, how to build a team of respectful contrarians and the Mercedes smart car lesson that shows why real innovation needs its own ecosystem. Packed with insights about pivoting and disruptive thinking, this conversation challenges conventional leadership wisdom. Listen now to discover why learning to say no might be the most important skill you develop as a leader. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Martin U Ripple and ANCA: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinurippleceo Website: https://machines.anca.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the key to scaling isn’t doing more, but doing less, and doing it better? In this episode, Matthew Wilkins, Founder and CEO of Venergy Solar Australia, reveals how discipline, focus and long-term thinking turned a small solar startup into a national leader in renewable energy. Wilkins shares how battery storage and smart software are reshaping the grid, the hard lessons behind saying no to distractions, and why treating contractors as true partners has become his biggest competitive advantage. We also explore leadership habits that last – building trust, creating white space to think and remembering that you’re never wrong for doing what’s right. Listen now to learn how to scale with purpose and avoid the burnout. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Matthew Wilkins and Venergy Australia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-wilkins-4a6984a5/  Website: https://venergysolar.com.au/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it really take to build a business that lasts? In this episode, Verne Harnish, Founder and CEO of Scaling Up, breaks down the truths most founders miss about growth. From pricing power and compensation models to curiosity-led leadership and culture, Harnish shares how great CEOs build companies that scale without losing their soul. He reveals how to identify your company’s true constraints and why naming your strategy matters more than any mission statement. If you’re ready to move beyond hustle and learn how to grow smarter – not just bigger – this conversation is for you. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Verne Harnish and Scaling Up: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verneharnish/  Website: https://coaches.scalingup.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if one of your most effective brand levers isn’t a campaign – it’s what your people wear every day? In this episode, Pamela Jabbour, Founder and CEO of Total Image Group (TIG), breaks down how intentional uniform design boosts confidence, signals values and delivers real ROI.  Jabbour shares the hard lessons behind her ‘no client over five percent’ rule, how B Corp certification reshaped operations without blowing the budget and why details – collars, pockets and trims – separate forgettable from iconic.  We also get into leadership habits: the power of the pause, ‘kill it with kindness’, reframing imposter syndrome into preparation and building sustainable growth as TIG expands into New Zealand. Listen now to learn how to turn uniforms into strategy – and culture – one thoughtful detail at a time. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Pamela Jabbour and Total Image Group: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-jabbour-875a2325/  Website: https://totalimagegroup.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The journey from founder to true CEO is statistically nearly impossible – 97 percent of businesses fail within 10 years. In this episode, Brandon Dawson, Co-Founder, CEO and Chairman of Cardone Ventures and 10X Health System, reveals what separates the rare few who break through to build nine-figure companies. Dawson discusses the critical distinction between founders and CEOs, the three questions that expose fake experts and why execution always matters. Having built two multimillion-dollar companies from the ground up in just 60 months, he shares the belief-action-results framework and leadership evolution that determines whether businesses stagnate or scale beyond US$25 million. Packed with insights on entrepreneurial intuition versus executive awareness, confidence versus ego and the depression trap catching 80 percent founders post-exit, this conversation delivers brutal honesty about what it takes to become a real CEO. Listen now to discover where you sit on the founder-to-CEO spectrum and what you must do differently to break through. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Brandon Dawson and Cardone Ventures: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmdawson Website: https://cardoneventures.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family business succession rarely goes according to plan, but few stories are as dramatic as that of AME Systems. In this episode, Nick Carthew, AME Systems Managing Director, opens up about taking over a company torn apart by family conflict, being given just six months to prove himself and then facing unimaginable challenges that tested everything he'd built. Carthew discusses the falling out that nearly destroyed the business, the difficulties involved in such a rapid transformation and why the board initially had little faith in him. He shares candid insights on leading through loss, the power of company culture during crisis and why his employees took pay cuts and renegotiated mortgages to save the business. Packed with raw lessons on succession planning and loyalty that survives anything, this conversation reveals what it really takes to carry a legacy forward. Listen now to hear one of the most honest CEO stories you'll ever encounter. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Nick Carthew and AME Systems: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-carthew-4314ba32 Website: https://amesystems.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the key to exceptional leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about how you view the people around you? In this episode, Stefan Vermeulen, Managing Director of Nespresso Oceania, reveals his transformative leadership philosophy and the five-part framework that has guided his 15-year journey with one of the world’s most iconic brands. Vermeulen discusses his “5Cs” leadership model, why vulnerability is actually a sign of strength and how building your own personal board of advisors can accelerate your growth. He also shares insights on leading through legacy, balancing global brand consistency with local innovation and how assuming good intentions changed how he approaches every leadership challenge. Packed with practical frameworks and real-world examples from sustainability initiatives to team dynamics, this conversation offers a masterclass in authentic leadership for today’s complex business environment. Listen now to discover the mindset shifts that separate good leaders from truly great ones. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Stefan Vermeulen and Nespresso: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-vermeulen-a1b2736 Website: https://www.nespresso.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Craig Kearney became CEO of Vitaco in 2018, he faced a counterintuitive challenge: the company had too many brands. While conventional wisdom says more products equal more revenue, Kearney discovered the opposite was true. In this episode, Kearney reveals how he cut Vitaco’s brand portfolio and watched revenue double. He shares the ruthless decision-making process behind discarding profitable products to focus resources on fewer, stronger brands. This is the portfolio management masterclass that shows how less really can be more in business. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Craig Kearney and Vitaco: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-kearney-8508a23 Website: https://vitacohealth.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most property investors worldwide are trapped in negative cash flow cycles, watching residential yields drop while mortgage rates climb. In this episode, Scott O'Neill, Founder and CEO of Rethink Group, sits down with Chris Dutton, Founder of The CEO Magazine, to reveal why he abandoned residential property. O'Neill, who achieved financial freedom by 28, explains why commercial tenants pay all your expenses and how to recession-proof your portfolio with boring businesses. He also shares his zero-failure formula for building multiple companies. This is the investment shift that's creating wealth while residential investors struggle. Listen now to discover why the smart money is moving to commercial property and how you can escape the negative cash flow trap forever. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Scott O’Neill and Rethink Group: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-o-neill-0b0aa151/ Website: https://www.rethinkgroup.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AI revolution has many leaders questioning whether they still need entry-level workers, but what if they have it backwards? In this episode, David Ellis, Managing Partner of IBM Consulting for Australia, reveals why his company is actually increasing graduate hires during the AI boom and how smart leaders can turn young talent into their competitive advantage. Ellis discusses the 50 percent displacement prediction, why AI-native workers possess untapped potential and the IBM strategy that delivered 50–80 percent productivity gains. Packed with insights on workforce strategy and responsible AI implementation, this conversation will challenge how you think about talent acquisition. Listen now to discover why betting on young workers might be the smartest move you make this year. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow David Ellis and IBM Consulting: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidellis Website: https://www.ibm.com/au-enSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Healthcare is at a tipping point – growing demand, limited resources and soaring costs are testing the system like never before. In this episode, Mark Middleton, Group CEO of Icon Group, reveals why innovation and authentic leadership are the only ways forward and what it takes to transform care at scale. He discusses the global cancer burden, the cost of resisting change and the technologies redefining treatment, while sharing how leaders can balance urgency with discipline when making bold decisions. Packed with lessons on resilience, purpose and the future of healthcare, this conversation will challenge how you think about innovation, leadership and impact. Listen now to gain insights that matter for every leader facing transformation. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Mark Middleton and Icon Group: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-middleton-au Website: https://icongroup.global/en/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambition can open doors, but execution is what keeps them open. In this episode, Kimberley Jonsson, CEO of CHU, shares why delivering in your current role – rather than chasing the next title – is the real driver of career progression and business success.  She unpacks the toughest leadership lessons she’s learned, from building influence without authority to leading with integrity and fostering collaboration across teams. Packed with practical takeaways, this conversation will leave you rethinking how you approach ambition, execution and sustainable leadership. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Kimberley Jonsson and CHU Underwriting Agencies: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-jonsson-92300342/ Website: https://chu.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the race to harness AI, chasing perfection can be a costly trap. In this episode, Travis Jones, COO of Logic20/20, explains why adaptability, not flawless systems or perfect data, is the real key to success. Drawing on years of experience guiding Fortune 1000 companies through digital transformation, Jones shares practical insights for leaders on how to move quickly, empower teams and capture opportunities before the competition does. From cutting through AI hype to building a culture of change, this episode is essential listening for executives who want to lead confidently in the AI era. Tune in now and learn how to avoid the leadership mistake that could be costing your organization millions. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Travis Jones and Logic20/20: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisjones2/ Website: https://logic2020.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to bounce back from failure and turn it into lasting success? In this episode, we sit down with Robert Neil, Managing Director of Safari Group, to explore the lessons he has learned from building – and rebuilding – a business. A licensed builder and founding member of Safari Group, Neil is a pillar in the industry who has shaped the company’s strategic direction from acquisitions to sales. With decades of experience, he shares candid insights into resilience, leadership and the mindset needed to thrive through challenges. Whether you are leading a team, growing a business or navigating setbacks of your own, Neil’s story offers powerful lessons in grit, perseverance and long-term vision. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us:   LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global   Facebook: @theceomagazineglobal   X: @ceomagazinegl  Instagram: @theceomagazineglobal   Follow Robert Neil and Safari Group: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-neil-4333b925/ Website: https://safarigroup.co.nz/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.